In the Desert, Organic Gardening is Possible!

August 23, 2010 by  
Filed under Organic Gardening

The popularity of organic food continues to grow as people recognize that chemicals like pesticides and artificial fertilizers are plainly not good for us to consume. The trouble with organic foods is that it is usually more pricey than other types of food. You can create your own source of organic produce for your family by setting up your very own organic garden. Even if you live in the desert regions of the Phoenix area, you can still enjoy a flourishing garden. All that is required is a little more forethought than people living in other parts of the country, but even in the desert, a garden is enjoyable and worthwhile.

The first action for any garden is to find a spot. If you are living in the desert, finding a spot that has an abundance of sunlight should not be a problem. Your garden will need a minimum of six hours of sunlight each and every day. If your spot gets shade that interrupts the sunlight on the area you are considering, pick a different spot. Think about the plants you intend to put in as well. Make sure you are picking a spot that has enough area for the types of plants that you intend to cultivate. Clear the weeds and use aviary wire to keep rodents out as well. It also works to use a planting box to put your plants in topsoil. 

Carefully Preparing Soil Will Produce a Winning Organic Garden

In this region of the country, the major problems you will tackle when starting an organic garden are soil conditions and access to water. Desert soil is usually poor quality soil, but it does need to be worked to permit water to drain properly, as it is quite dry. Start your garden by working the soil. The first step is to wet it systematically, and this necessitates that you have a water source near your garden. Then, use a tiller to break up the soil to a depth of about one foot. Then, mix your organic fertilizer into the area you have prepared. Now you are ready to begin planting.

After you have planted your garden, make sure that you keep watering and fertilizing the plants. You may want to put a shade cloth over your plants during the intense afternoon sun, usually after noon. You will also want to make a compost pile to organically enrich your garden. Any time you have organic matter, like leaves, eggshells or waste from your kitchen, put it in the compost pile. Flip the compost pile often to help the matter to decompose. When you are ready to enrich your garden, merely put some of your compost on top of the soil to use as mulch.

Organic Gardens Involve Organic Pest-Fighting Choices

If you find that your organic garden becomes bug-ridden that are eating your plants, there are many organic methods that can be used to fight those pests. One of the most natural ways to fight insects in your garden is with other insects. Research the types of insects that will eat your pests, and then add them to your garden. You can also use herbs like thyme, tansy, nasturtiums and basil to discourage insects from eating your other plants. These all grow satisfactorily in Arizona's climate, and serve to either repel bugs or attract them away from the other plants in the garden. This is far healthier than using pesticides, and you will have the advantage of growing tasty herbs while you keep your garden insect-free.

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Related posts:

  1. Organic Gardening at Home
  2. How To Make Organic Gardening Compost
  3. How Do I Go About Starting An Organic Garden
  4. Organic Gardening – What is It?
  5. Organic Gardening – Essential Basics You Should Know!

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